If you’re in Dallas, Texas, you won’t want to miss this local favorite: the Bishop Arts District.
Located 10 minutes south of Downtown Dallas and right in the heart of North Oak Cliff, this perfect place is well-known for its local shops, walkable location, and trendy style. It’s a favorite hang-out spot of residents and tourists, and totally worth checking out!
There are two main shopping areas in this neighborhood: the shops on Bishop Avenue, and those on Davis Street. In this article, we’ll look at the shops found in these areas, and I’ll also give you a rundown of 10 things you’ll find in the Bishop Arts District. So when you come to visit, you’ll already know what to expect!
Let’s get to it!
The Shops on Bishop Ave
This area is the part of town most often referred to as the Bishop Arts District.
With a bunch of independent boutiques and antique shops right next to each other, there is plenty to see (and shop in!) on Bishop Avenue.
There are all kinds of goods sold at these shops, from furniture and clothing to restaurants and trinkets. We particularly adore the Bishop Street Market – there are just so many cute items and one-of-a-kind gift ideas inside!
What makes all of these stores so special is their focus on local artisans, so you know you’re always getting something unique and beautiful when you buy from them. If you’re a supporter of the #shopsmall movement, you’ve got to go to the Bishop Arts District!
The Shops on Davis Street
Meanwhile, the Davis Street strip is smaller and more spread out, but it has some great finds. DLM Supply Co and Joy Macarons are my favorites, and Davis Street Espresso has both great coffee and delectable cookies.
Handcrafted, naturally gluten-free macarons? Yes, please!
10 Things You’ll Find at the Bishop Arts District
In a nutshell, the Bishop Arts District is a must-visit if you like to support local businesses, eat healthy foods, and enjoy artsy aesthetics. You’ll definitely find lots to see and admire in this charming place!
Here’s a list of 10 things in the Bishop Arts District that make it really enjoyable:
1. Ambience
My favorite thing here is the ambience, from the retro decor to the live music and patio hangs. The place is the epitome of chic and stylishness! Just the experience of walking around and seeing the view makes the experience very enjoyable.
2. The #shopsmall movement
The second best thing about this area, of course, is all the local stores located here. My favorites are DLM Supply Co (on Davis Street), and Dirt.
I’m a sucker for good deals, and while local and American-made goods make you splurge a little more, you know it’s for a good cause. It’s always great for our economy when we #shopsmall.
3. Aesthetics
Third would be how cute the shops are to look at.
With bright-colored doors, lights strung across the street, and a definite hipster vibe, you feel like you are in a small town.
Adding to the aesthetics here are the art galleries, both in and around Bishop Arts District, which house some of the best, most creative art pieces out there. Plus, it has its own retro Dallas landmark: the Texas Theatre. This famous theater has been in operation since the 1930s, and it’s definitely worth checking out!
4. Great food choices
Some of the best restaurants you’ll ever find are right here in the Bishop Arts District!
Oddfellows is a very popular brunch place with some decent gluten-free options. Their salads are also a must-try!
If you’re in the mood for some Mayan/Aztec cuisine, Veracruz Cafe has you covered. Their fajitas are amazing, but don’t sleep on their tacos and enchiladas! Plus, they offer a kid’s menu for when you’re shopping with your little ones.
Gloria’s Latin Cuisine is sure to fill you up with its wide selection of brunch, lunch, and dinner options as well! Meanwhile, go to Lucia to enjoy their handmade pasta, freshly baked bread, and authentic Italian selections.
For the best bbq in town, you have got to try Lockhart Smokehouse. Here you’ll find the Kreuz Market Sausage, as well as a wide array of ribs, brisket, and other types of delicious smoked meat!
Honestly, you’re never too full for a pizza. Head on to Eno’s Pizza Tavern for a slice (or two!) paired with their beer! A great way to spend the afternoon or evening, if you ask me.
Hunky’s Hamburgers are well-known for their retro vibes, fantastic burgers, and handmade onion rings, and worth ordering from if you want a heavy snack.
For local must-haves, Emporium Pies and the Dallas Grilled Cheese Co are two famous spots with high praise. Emporium Pies’ The Drunken Nut is definitely the best pecan pie out there, while Smooth Operator is filled with delectably sweet chocolate with a salty pretzel crust. Yum! Dallas Grilled Cheese Co offers grilled cheese served in different ways, and they’re always delicious.
Of course, can’t forget to enjoy dessert! Melt Ice Cream is a cute little shop where you’ll find fantastic flavors of ice cream. Have a Cup of Texas or Salt Lick – you’ll thank us for it! Dude, Sweet Chocolate is another go-to for their selection of sweet treats, which will leave you craving more.
5. Outdoor patios
It seems like every restaurant has an outdoor option, which is perfect if you want to just soak up the trendy street vibes.
For example, Oddfellows has a great open concept where you can walk right up to the bar from the street, and Davis Street Espresso has a fun outdoor area to sip on your coffee. And Paradiso has the most Instagrammable vibes!
6. Great coffee shops
Every hipster neighborhood needs a good coffee shop – or more!
The Wild Detectives
The Wild Detectives has great coffee and a mini bookstore, so you can read while you sip!
This coffee shop is unique in that it’s a bar, coffee shop, and bookstore all in one. You actually order coffee or alcohol from the bar! And then enjoy your drink of choice among hundreds of great books.
Tribal All Day Cafe
We love this cafe because aside from delicious coffee, they also offer other healthy drink options. Ever wonder if juicing is for you? Or do you have a hankering for something healthy and nutritious for a snack? They have it here!
7. Variety
Want a new hat? There’s a shop for that. Want some new soap? There’s one for that too. Rustic home decor? Bishop Street Market has what you need.
Whether you’re looking for clothes, food, home goods, art, vinyl, or accessories, you’re bound to find what you need here.
Tip: looking for fantastic wine selections? Try Neighborhood Cellar! They have great options of sparkling and bubbling wines, reds, and whites!
8. Murals and pretty walls
Probably one of the first things you’ll notice when pulling up to Bishop Avenue is a mural wall or two.
The murals always seem to be changing based on the construction. A temporary wall full of murals (like the one pictured on the right) is typically in place while construction is underway.
Covered with nature art and whimsical paintings, it’s perfect for photos!
Once construction ends, we’ll miss it, but there are always other murals in the area. Suffice it to say, Bishop Arts District lives up to its name with its glorious street art!
Many shops have the sides of their buildings painted with murals, so be sure to keep an eye on the alleyways!
9. Live music in a New Orleans-style bar
There always seems to be someone playing live music on the corner, and it automatically puts you in a good mood.
Recently a New Orleans-style bar has opened up and it is a hit! Revelers Hall is sure to spruce up the nightlife of Bishop Arts District even more with its wonderful jazz music and delicious cocktails.
10. Perfect gift ideas
Between all of the shops on Bishop Ave and Davis Street, you’re bound to find exactly what you need for a birthday/anniversary/Christmas gift for mom, dad, or your significant other – all while enjoying yourself, too!
Urban Owl, in particular, is a crowd favorite for various gift ideas, so go ahead and pay them a visit if you’re in the area.
We love coming to the Bishop Arts District for our Christmas shopping because we are more inclined to splurge on a unique gift for a friend or family member than we are on ourselves.
And while you’re in the area…
Here are some other nearby attractions:
- Trinity Groves
- Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge (see photo below)
- Dallas Farmer’s Market
- Deep Ellum
Check it all out for yourself!
Cheers!
Jasmine
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